Apple has been looking into the potential for using miniature solar panels in its future products,according to 9to5Mac. The report says that Apple’s not just looking into technical feasibility, but Taiwanese solar panel manufacturers who could supply the company — meaning this process may be further along than you might think. But those panels need more work before they can be used in products,according to Digitimes. Apple filed a patent for solar panel usage in mobile devices in 2009 which could apply to laptops, tablets and phones....

There’s been enough official Apple news to content with today, what withFacetime going HD,new MacBook Prosandnew details about OSX Lion. So, how about some good old-fashioned speculation about the future? Patently Appletoday discusses a patent submitted by the Cupertino company that could see invisible controls for iTunes added to the lids of its notebook computers. The touch sensitive controls would be invisible most of the time, only revealing themselves when a user’s hand got close to them....

A U.S. International Trade Commission judge said that neither of the two patents in Apple’s case before the ITC were being infringed by Kodak’s digital camera technology, according aBloombergreport. Apple’s complaint targeted Kodak digital cameras such as the Kodak Z series, M series, C series, and Slice cameras, as well as video cameras including the Playsport for allegedly violating patents that cover a way a camera can process several images at the same time and the handle multiple processes such as adjustments in balance, color, sharpness and resolution at once....

First the incredible news that Apple hadsurpassedMicrosoft in overall profit. NowHorace Dedieupoints out that Apple’s software platforms now enables it to earn more than double the amount of profits Microsoft garners from Windows. The profits are split between iOS and OS X on Apple’s side. The iOS platform enables about 75% of Apple’s overall profit, withrecord sales of the iPhoneand lower but still strong sales of the iPad in Q2. Just four years ago iOS only counted for 50% of profit....

Apple just signed a licensing agreement with with EMI Music and is very near to completing deals with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, a probable indication that the cupertino-based company will soon be ready to launch its cloud music service. According to multiple music industry sources cited byCNet, Apple has alreadyobtained licensesfrom Warner Music Group, and negotiations with Sony and Universal could be finalized as early as next week....